Episode 153 – Beth Pascall, Pavel Paloncy, Mike Ambrose, Golden Ring Ultra.

Posted on March 9, 2018 by talkultra

Episode 153 of Talk Ultra is a packed show with multiple interviews… We speak with Beth Pascall who was 1st Brit and 4th lady at Transgrancanaria. We speak with 3 time winner of The Spine Race – Pavel Paloncy. We also chat with Michael from Russia’s Golden Ring Ultra and finally, Kurt Decker brings us chat with Mike Ambrose. Speedgoat co-hosts.

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00:16:56 NEWS

WAY TO COOL 50K

Ladia Albertson Junkans won in 3:44, Brittany Peterson 3:46 and Elizabeth Ryan 3:56

Max King 3:18, Jared Hazen 3:18:33 and Gus Gibbs 3:20

IDITAROD

Ever present David Johnston once again won but this time with Gavin Woody – 5 days, 10hrs and 23min.

TRANSGRANCANARIA 125km

Pau Capell did it again on a new course winning in 12:42 ahed of Aurelien Collet who led the race for much of the day, he finished in 12:56 and Cristofer Clemente was 3rd 13:22.

For the ladies it was a surprise win for Magda Lack ahead of the indestructible Andrea Huser and Ekaterina Mityaeva 3rd – 15:18, 15:58 and 16:12.

The UK’s Beth Pascall was 54th.

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00:28:15 Interview with BETH PASCALL

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Golden Ring Ultra – The Golden Ring Ultra-Trail® 100 is a trail race for runners of all backgrounds and levels of experience.

It’s no coincidence that the race is held in the town of Suzdal…

Founded in the 11th century, Suzdal is one of the oldest towns in Russia and home to more than 300 unique historical sites and monuments from ancient Rus, including several that have been named UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Awarded federally protected status in 1967 and surrounded by expansive forests and fields, Suzdal offers visitors a chance to travel back in time.

Set against this breathtaking landscape across which a millennium’s-worth of history has unfolded, the Golden Ring Ultra-Trail® 100 is designed for those who yearn for new adventures, discovering untapped strength within themselves, and finding total freedom in the outdoors.

http://goldenultra.ru/en

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01:14:10 Interview with GOLDEN ULTRA RUSSIA

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01:32:06 Interview with MIKE AMBROSE

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02:01:14 Interview with PAVEL PALONCY

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UP & COMING RACES go to https://marathons.ahotu.com

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2018-03-10
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56 km
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2018-03-11
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Europe / Western Europe / France / Ile de France / Paris
2018-03-15
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2018-03-16
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2018-03-16
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2018-03-18
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2018-03-22
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2018-03-22
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2018-03-22
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2018-03-22
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2018-03-23
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2018-03-23
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50 km
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2018-03-23
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100 km
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2018-03-23
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2018-03-23
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2018-03-23
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SciaccheTrail, 47 km, 3000m +
Europe / Southern Europe / Italy / Liguria / Monterosso al mare, Cinque Terre
2018-03-23
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02:41:07 CLOSE

02:47:09

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inov-8 PARKCLAW 275 GTX REVIEW

Posted on March 5, 2018 by talkultra

I have to be honest, I wasn’t particularly looking forward to using inov-8’s new shoe offering, the PARKCLAW 275 (I tested the GTX – Gore Tex). Why? Well, inov-8 have always impressed by producing shoes that are specific to a runner’s need – typically, getting a grip in muddy trail. Over recent years though, many new inov-8 shoes have appeared that have merged that ‘specificity’ and in all honesty, I have always been impressed by what has been on offer.

The PARKCLAW though just didn’t entice me.

I have to say, I was a little silly. It turns out that the PARKCALAW 275 is a great shoe and in all honesty, it’s a shoe that will appeal to so many.

Many runners want a shoe that does more than just one thing. The PARKCLAW is going to be that shoe. Good on the road, good on dry trails, good on rocks, cushioned, wide toe box, 8mm drop and great feel.

Inov-8 have produced a real surprise!

THE SHOE

Maybe the ‘PARK’ in the name signifies the ever-growing parkrun community that every weekend assemble all over the world and bang out a 5k amongst friends. Let’s face facts, it’s a huge community and if you can get a slice of that pie, it’s a great thing for any brand. But many of those runners may want to mix things up with a little road-to-trail or easy trail runs. This is where the PARKCLAW can step in!

I need to clarify here that the PARKCLAW is a shoe that works for any runner. I have been using it on my road loops of 5, 8 and 12km and they have been great. Equally, they have been excellent on my local canal tow path and forest trails.

The shoe has an ‘in-between’ outsole that provides grip for trail but not too much grip for road. The lugs at 4mm are semi-aggressive but importantly are close together so road running feels good. META-FLEX at the front allows the shoes to bend near the metatarsals and at the rear is a Dynamic Fascia Band. Three different lug colours are present which show how the different compounds ensure grip on different surfaces.

Drop is 8mm which is now pretty much standard, gone are the days of 12mm drop and higher. 8mm drop is a perfect starting point for most runners and particularly nice if running longer.

Fit is neutral and true to size. I always use a UK9.5 and these are perfect.

Toe box is wide – 5 on inov-8’s fit scale (here) so all you Hobbits should have a huge smile.

Cushioning is 12mm at the front and 20mm at the rear which provides a plush feel and not at the compromise of losing a feel for the ground. The Cushioned ride comes from Powerflow+ which does a great job at protecting but not at the loss of energy return. Combined with META-FLEX the Powerflow+ makes the propulsive phase a pleasure.

The upper is classic inov-8, breathable and lightweight. It has support on either side of the lacing section which pulls in to hold the foot firm once laces are adjusted accordingly. Importantly there are double eyelets at the top, so you can lock-lace should you wish. The heel area is plush as always with inov-8 and there is additional support to hold the foot firm and help with gait. The tongue is padded and gusseted. Toe box is reinforced and protected.

IN USE

This is a very comfy shoe. Slipper like in feel and it was easy to pull them on and run with no bedding in. I was amazed at how comfortable they are. The Cushioning is unlike any other inov-8 shoe I have used. Maybe similar to a TRAIL TALON.

The key thing for many will be the wide toe box. Hobbits you will love them! I am fortunate that I can use precision shoes and then enjoy and benefit of a wide toe box when I want to be more relaxed and allow my foot to splay. The PARKCLAW is really comfy.

Gusseted tongue is padded and a real winner. Keep saying it, all shoes should have a gusseted tongue just makes sense!

The lacing is standard and it’s possible to adjust and get a great fit and feel. I used the additional eyelet at the top to ‘lock-lace’ but found I didn’t need it, the shoe fitted so well.

Running on the road is a real pleasure with excellent comfort, great feel and great energy return. At no point did I feel I was in a trail shoe. Transition to hard trail was seamless. The PARCLAW is a great all-rounder and one-stop shop for those who need something that can do a little of everything.

The 4mm lugs handled grass, rock and trail both in wet and dry but when the trails became muddy, grip was compromised. The lugs are too close together and not long enough to get the required purchase. This is not a criticism, it’s just a fact! Quite simply, if you are needing a shoe with greater off-road grip, you need another model of inov-8. The PARKCLAW is not intended for this job!

SUMMARY

The PARKCLAW 275 is a real surprise. It’s a shoe that you can use day in and day out when you are mixing terrain. A great example would be say living in London and going for a long run when you mix road with sections of trail in Regents Park, Hyde Park and so on. The shoe though equally sits as a road shoe or dry trail shoe. I had no issue using the PARKCLAW 275 for either purpose.

The toe box is wide, and this may well be a real deciding factor for many. I know so many runners who need or prefer a wide fit – look no further.

The PARKCLAW would actually make a great shoe for a race like Marathon des Sables when an out-and-out trail shoe is not required but when cushioning and wide toe box is welcome. It is definitely a contender.

The PARKCLAW 275 will never be great on muddy technical terrain. The outsole is not aggressive enough and the wide ‘5’ fit would make the shoe feel sloppy and lacking precision.

Ultimately, I think inov-8 created this shoe as an ‘introduction’ shoe. A way of enticing roadies to trail. In doing so, they have created a stand-alone shoe which I have been using daily, and yes, it’s equally great as a walking shoe.

A jack of all trades is never brilliant at any one thing but the PARKCLAW 275 does a great job at making the mix and transition.

Finally, I tested the GTX version, so, should you wish, you can also keep your feet warm and dry by letting no water in. Of course, GTX doesn’t let water out too, so, if the water comes in over the top of the shoe, your feet will stay wet. Always with considering! However, over the winter months I could feel the benefit of the Gore Tex on cold days.

PARKCLAW 275 on inov-8 HERE

inov 8 X-TALON 210 Shoe Review

Posted on February 5, 2018 by talkultra

The inov 8 X-TALON range for 2018 has had a reworking. Always a tricky subject, especially with such a classic shoe in the inov 8 line-up. But as history shows, this shoe is 10-years old and has had many incarnations.

So, what is different for 2018?

Well, first and foremost, STICKY GRIP. This new outsole compound is inov 8’s new secret weapon for holding a runner on the ground when conditions are challenging, in particular, wet and slippery rocks.

The second key aspect is the reworking of the shoes upper. Now depending which X-TALON you have, the upper will be different. For example, I have just reviewed the X-TALON 230 HERE and the upper on the 230 is a world away from the upper on the 210.

So, here goes!

THE SHOE

Orange! Whoa, yep, you are going to be seen coming in these babies on your first outing. I strongly suggest, going in the garden and rubbing them in the soil before venturing out. I wore sunglasses for the first day of testing. I joke obviously, but the 210 is a bright shoe, one could easily be put off by the colour, but let’s face it, if you are using the shoe in the place it is intended for, they are only bright for one outing!

In comparison to the X-TALON 230 (here) the 210 appears super light and airy – funny as there is only 20g difference between the shoes. The upper is light, very breathable and has the now traditional inov 8 overlays that gives the upper its structure. They are light and fast and gladly they have a gusseted tongue to give a slipper like feel. They feel very different to the 230’s – I would go as far to say that they are not comparable. They are completely two different shoes. So, whereas in the past you may have two pairs of X-Talon’s with different drops and have a similar feel between the two, now that is not the case. So, if you fancy 230’s with more cushioning, 6mm drop and a tough upper, make sure you try them first.

The 210 is 1 arrow, so, 3mm drop. Fit is scaled as 2, so, they are at the narrow end of inov 8’s fit gauge but not as narrow as the 230’s which scale as 1. Have to say, I prefer the fit of the 2.

The outsole, like the 230’s, is STICKY GRIP with classic 8mm lugs – a winning combo!

Cushioning is pretty minimal with 6mm at the front and 9mm at the rear.

This is a shoe that has racing written all over it.

MORE DETAIL

The fit is slipper like and the 2-grade fit is pretty sweet allowing a little room for toe splay but not at the loss of control or precision when running. Of course, fit is all relative and based on an individual’s foot. However, I keep saying this, if you want a shoe for fast and technical running, it can’t be sloppy. It must fit and hold the foot – the 210’s does this perfectly.

The upper is very soft and flexible. The fit and security all comes from the overlays and in particular the 5 that lead to the lace eyelets.

The overlay extends round to the front of the shoe and the outsole extends up to provide a little toe protection. Toe protection is minimal, especially when one compares to the 230’s!

The upper is very breathable and there is method to this! inov 8 are recommending this shoe for the obvious fell, mountain, trail, obstacle course running but with the new addition of swim/run – a fast growing sport! Cleverly, the upper does not absorb or retain water and it has been Designed to actively encourage water (or sweat even) to escape. Obviously, this is key for swim/run but I can also see this being a great feature for any races or courses where one may be in and out of water. For example, the 210 would be a great shoe for the multi-stage race in Costa Rica, The Coastal Challenge – here participants on certain stages are in and out of water all the time. The heal box is snug, comfortable, holds the foot perfectly and caused no issues .

The outsole is a key feature of the 210 just as in the 230. STICKY GRIP is the new secret weapon. Basically, it’s a new compound of outsole that is softer and stickier than previous inov 8 outsoles. In mud, on trails, on fells etc there is little noticeable difference as the 8mm lugs do the job they have all done. What is noticeable is the additional grip on rock, particularly when wet. This is a great USP and maybe even more so for this shoe with a possible swim/run audience.

IN USE

Unlike the 230, I slipped the 210 on and they immediately felt great – slipper like and definitely no breaking in required. I wore them around my home and soon didn’t notice them.

The 2 fit is as mentioned is narrow/ precision but not super narrow and I really liked the feel – this was helped by the soft upper and the gusseted tongue. The shoes upper combination works really well and once I adjusted the laces to personal feel and preference, I just knew that I was going to be happy in them.

With minimal cushioning and 3mm drop, this is not a shoe for everyone, or maybe I should clarify and say, that for some people, it is a shoe they should use sparingly. It’s a fast and light shoe designed for an efficient runner. The shoe is very flexible and just urges you to push on with the META FLEX on the outsole really helping with the propulsive phase.

Although cushioning is relatively minimal, the EVA FUSION works really well and providing excellent comfort. The shoes are so low to the ground, they are a little like taking a F1 car out for a drive. Hoka One One shoes for example would be a double decker bus.

A mile of road had me clipping along, right on my toes and then I suddenly realized I didn’t have the fitness for the pace the shoes made me want to run. So, racers out there are going to love this feel! On a muddy tow path, the 8mm studs gripped as they have always done and I had 100% confidence, the low-drop adding to that secure feel.

The 210 certainly gets you on your toes. I purposely tried to run slower and heal strike to get a feel of how the shoe would respond – it just felt all wrong. So, I speeded back up and got back on my toes.

On a wet grassy bank, the outsole gripped away and in the really thick mud that followed, I was over my ankles with soft, wet, brown stuff. Here I noticed two things, the 8mm lugs were trying to gain purchase in the harder ground below, at times they did, at times they didn’t – that is the nature of thick mud. One thing is for sure, in most other shoes I would have hit the deck! The second thing I noticed was how the shoes filled with mud but noticeably on the harder trail that followed, the shoes squelched and squelched, and I could see the mud escape from the uppers! I normally miss a small river on my run, yes, to avoid getting my feet wet, but I had to test the swim/ run capability. Apart from the water being bloody freezing, the shoes and uppers worked a treat. I was really impressed to see the water escape as I ran down the follow-on trails.

Wet rocks have been a hit and miss affair with inov 8 in the past but I can confirm, just as I found in the 230’s (here) that the new STICKY GRIP is a huge step forward for the inov 8 outsole. It is definitely getting more purchase and thus providing more security which in turn allows one the confidence to run at speed.

Most of my runs in the 210 have been between 5-12 miles. I haven’t gone past 100 minutes in any one run and in all honesty, for me, I would probably say 2-hours would be the max I would want to run in such a light, minimal and low-drop shoe. But that is me! My preferred drop is 6 or 8mm and most scenarios I prefer a little more cushioning. A light, fast and efficient runner I am sure could run longer in them!

Nearly all my runs have 1 mile of road at the start and end. With 108 miles in the 210 I can see the impact of the road sections, but it is not worrying. In all honesty, the 210 should only be used off-road and if I could, that is what I would do. The reality for most of us though is that a little road will always appear in our runs, so it is good to get a feel of the durability of the new STICKY GRIP. It’s still too early to say what that life is.

With extensive experience in Skyrunning races, I see the 210 being a perfect match for VK’s and SKY races (typically 20-30km) – in particular, the STICKY GRIP outsole would be most welcome on the technical, rocky and often wet ridges that can be encountered say in the Dolomites or the Alps.

CONCLUSION

The 210 is a winning shoe for efficient runners who want to be low to the ground feeling the terrain as though running barefoot without the discomfort. The combination of the light upper, precision fit and new sticky outsole makes them really stand out as a shoe distance racing shoe for fell, mountain and OC races. The upper certainly works really well at expelling water, so, if swim/run is your thing, they will be worth a look.

At 3mm drop and minimal cushioning, the 210 is definitely not for everyone. Certainly, I could not run in a shoe like this every day, but I think it’s fair to say that inov 8 don’t intent that to be the case. By way of clarity, the 210’s are a 2-seater car that sits in the garage, only to be used every now and again, whereas normally every day you drive around, say in a Ford Focus. Maybe the X-Talon 230’s are the Ford Focus and the X-Talon 210 is the Porsche 911?

Episode 151 – Carol Morgan

Posted on February 2, 2018 by talkultra

Episode 151 of Talk Ultra has a full and in-depth interview with 2018 The Spine Race female champion, Carol Morgan. Speedgoat Karl is with us to co-host and chew the ultra fat.

*****

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NEWS

ARROWHEAD 135

News just in that John Storkamp, RD of Superior 100 has just won Arrowhead 135 – he’s won it before and has a great history with the race – so awesome.

HONG KONG 100

So, Jig Liang won the race in 9:28:35 – a new CR beating Francois D’Haene’s time. But was then disqualified – apparently he grabbed a water bottle from a hiker and the threw the bottle on the trail! Min Qi was then upgraded to winner with the USA’s Alex Nichols becoming 2nd and Run Yun Yu was 3rd.

Miao Yao was the ladies champ in a stunning time of 10:40 – that was 40-minutes faster than Nuria Picas! A returning to form Mira Rai was 2nd and Fu-Zhao Xiang in 3rd.

MOUNTAIN MIST 50K

David Riddle and Jackie Merritt took the wins in 3:53 and 4:40.

THE SPINE

Pavel Paloncy won the race (109 hours 50min) for the men and Carol Morgan (130 hours 37min) for the ladies. Once gain it turned out to be epic with the early good and fast conditions getting worse as the days passed. By the end it was all snow, ice, blizzards and the race was even stopped at one point for safety.

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INTERVIEW – CAROL MORGAN

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LANZAROTE TRAINING CAMP

We were out in Lanzarote for our annual multi-day training camp. Once again an incredible week with over 40-athletes of all abilities taking part. Our coaches, MDS champ Elisabet Barnes, up and coming GB athlete Tom Evans and single and multi-stage runner Sondre Amdahl all lead specific based run groups – Marie-Paule Pierson took a walking group. I normally move between groups but this year took a specific group moving between fast walking and running. Stunning week and we have just opened booking for 2019.

BOOK HERE

What is great about the camp is seeing how people learn and progress. For example, Gemma Game placed 4th at MDS in 2015 and she was running in the fast group with Tom Evans. We had other runners nervous about the challenges a multi-day will bring and by the end of the week they were confident and ready for the next step. We also had one or two runners who actually were worried about just being on the camp but they soon overcame their fears. Got to give a shout out to Sue Ding who had a really tough day 1 with us and then overcame so many fears and obstacles to finish the week on a high.

COLDWATER RUMBLE

Notable because Courtney Dauwalter once again won outright! She did the 52 mile race in 7:10. – this was 1 hr better than the male CR!

Still a quiet time in the news…

Next week THE COASTAL CHALLENGE preview HERE

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UP & COMING RACES

Argentina

Vuriloche Ultra Trail | 90.0 kilometers | February 02, 2018 | website

Australia

Queensland

Dusk to Dawn | 50.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Dusk to Dawn | 100.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Dusk to Dawn | 50.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Dusk to Dawn | 100.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Dusk to Dawn | 50.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Dusk to Dawn | 100.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Tasmania

The Cradle Mountain Run | 82.0 kilometers | February 03, 2018 | website

Chile

Futangue Challenge | 62.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Finland

Lapland

Rovaniemi Arctic Winter Races | 150.0 kilometers | February 16, 2018 | website

Rovaniemi Arctic Winter Races | 66.0 kilometers | February 16, 2018 | website

Rovaniemi Arctic Winter Races | 300.0 kilometers | February 16, 2018 | website

France

Côtes-d’Armor

Trail Glazig | 72.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Trail Glazig | 54.0 kilometers | February 11, 2018 | website

Morbihan

19éme Tro Maneguen | 100.0 kilometers | February 11, 2018 | website

Germany

Lower Saxony

Brocken-Challenge 84,5 km | 86.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Guadeloupe

Traces du Nord Basse-Terre | 154.0 kilometers | February 16, 2018 | website

Hong-Kong

Green Power Hike | 50.0 kilometers | February 03, 2018 | website

MSIG Sai Kung 50 | 50.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

India

Gujarat

Run the Rann | 101.0 kilometers | February 02, 2018 | website

Run the Rann | 161.0 kilometers | February 02, 2018 | website

Kerala

Munnar Marathon | 71.12 kilometers | February 11, 2018 | website

Ireland

Kildare

Donadea 50K | 50.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Italy

Marche

Maratona sulla sabbia | 50.0 kilometers | February 11, 2018 | website

Malaysia

Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon | 50.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Borneo Ultra Trail Marathon | 100.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

New Zealand

Tarawera Ultramarathon Run | 85.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Tarawera Ultramarathon Run | 62.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Tarawera Ultramarathon Run | 162.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Tarawera Ultramarathon Run | 100.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Oman

Wadi Bih Run | 52.0 kilometers | February 02, 2018 | website

Wadi Bih Run | 72.0 kilometers | February 02, 2018 | website

Wadi Bih Run | 52.0 kilometers | February 02, 2018 | website

Wadi Bih Run | 72.0 kilometers | February 02, 2018 | website

South Africa

Bay Ultra Marathon | 50.0 kilometers | February 02, 2018 | website

Thailand

The North Face 100® – Thailand | 75.0 kilometers | February 03, 2018 | website

The North Face 100® – Thailand | 50.0 kilometers | February 03, 2018 | website

The North Face 100® – Thailand | 100.0 kilometers | February 03, 2018 | website

Ultra Trail Koh Chang | 66.0 kilometers | February 16, 2018 | website

Ultra Trail Koh Chang | 100.0 kilometers | February 16, 2018 | website

USA

Alabama

Black Warrior/Phillip Parker 50k and 25k Trail Runs | 50.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Arizona

Elephant Mountain | 50.0 kilometers | February 03, 2018 | website

Ragnar Relay Del Sol | 200.0 miles | February 09, 2018 | website

Pemberton Trail 50K | 50.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Arkansas

White Rock Classic 50K | 50.0 kilometers | February 03, 2018 | website

California

Fort Ord Trail Run | 50.0 kilometers | February 03, 2018 | website

Ordnance 100 | 100.0 kilometers | February 03, 2018 | website

Sean O’Brian Trail Runs | 100.0 kilometers | February 03, 2018 | website

Sean O’Brian Trail Runs | 50.0 kilometers | February 03, 2018 | website

Sean O’Brian Trail Runs | 50.0 miles | February 03, 2018 | website

Florida

Lost 118 | 118.0 miles | February 03, 2018 | website

Iron Horse Endurance Runs | 100.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Iron Horse Endurance Runs | 50.0 miles | February 10, 2018 | website

Iron Horse Endurance Runs | 100.0 miles | February 10, 2018 | website

26.2 With Donna | 110.0 miles | February 11, 2018 | website

North Carolina

Uwharrie Mountain Run | 40.0 miles | February 03, 2018 | website

Oregon

Bristow Trail Runs | 50.0 kilometers | February 03, 2018 | website

South Carolina

Rut Rogue 40s | 40.0 miles | February 03, 2018 | website

Mill Stone 50K | 50.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Texas

Rocky Raccoon | 100.0 miles | February 03, 2018 | website

Lone Star 100 | 100.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Lone Star 100 | 100.0 miles | February 10, 2018 | website

Rocky 50 Trail Run | 50.0 miles | February 10, 2018 | website

Rocky 50 Trail Run | 50.0 kilometers | February 10, 2018 | website

Virginia

The Wild Oak Trail 100 | 112.8 miles | February 16, 2018 | website

Washington

Jed Smith Ultra Classic | 50.0 miles | February 03, 2018 | website

Jed Smith Ultra Classic | 50.0 kilometers | February 03, 2018 | website

Orcas Island 50K | 50.0 kilometers | February 03, 2018 | website

Orcas Island 100 | 100.0 miles | February 09, 2018 | website

Wisconsin

John Dick Memorial 50K | 50.0 kilometers | February 03, 2018 | website

United Kingdom

Cornwall

Arc of Attrition | 100.0 miles | February 09, 2018 | website

Devon

Coastal Trail Series- South Devon | 34.0 miles | February 03, 2018 | website

Oxfordshire

Thames Trot 50 | 50.0 miles | February 03, 2018 | website

Surrey

The Pilgrim Challenge North Downs Way Multistage Ultra | 66.0 miles | February 03, 2018 | website

Wales

Brecon to Cardiff Ultra | 42.0 miles | February 11, 2018 | website

Warwickshire

Cotswold Marathon & 35.35 Mile Ultra Run | 35.35 miles | February 11, 2018 | website

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CLOSE

01:38:27

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The Coastal Challenge 2018 Race Preview #TCC2018

Posted on January 29, 2018 by talkultra

The 2018 ‘The Coastal Challenge’ is upon us! Six days, 230.5km of racing and 9543m of vertical gain, 9413m of vertical descent – TCC is more than a challenge!

Follow #TCC2018

Over the years, TCC has grown in stature with an ‘A’ list of elite runners from all over the world. The 2017 edition was won by Salomon International Athletes – Anna Frost and Tom Owens. For 2018, the race steps up a notch with arguably the greatest ever male field assembled for a multi-stage race.

The 2018 edition lists a who’s who of elite runners.

Michael Wardian, a past winner and yours record holder returns. The unstoppable Chema Martinez from Spain returns once again looking for that top spot. Rising GB star, Tom Evans heads for his first rainforest experience after planing 3rd at MDS in 2017. Add to this, the legendary and iconic Timothy Olson, Drgagons Back and Cape Wrath winner, Marcus Scotney and the USA’s rising star and fast-man, Hayden Hawks – needless to say, the rainforest of the Talamancas may be ablaze after these guys have forged a path through its stunning trails.

For the ladies’ Ester Alves returns, a past champion, Ester has just placed 2nd at the Everest Trail Race in Nepal. She will be joined by the Dutch mountain goat and fast lady, Ragna Debats. Our top three female contenders should have been rounded out by Elisabet Barnes but unfortunately, illness has taken its toll and she will not make the start in Quepos.

“Due to several occurrences of cold and flu in the last few months I have had to reevaluate my upcoming race schedule. I have raced nine demanding multi-stage races in the last two years and my body is telling me to back off a bit. I plan to come back stronger and one thing is guaranteed, I will be back at TCC2019 – It is a race I love!”

– Elisabet Barnes

The Race:

Stage 1 34.6km 1018m of vert and 886m of descent

Stage 2 39.1km 1898m of vert and 1984m of descent

Stage 3 47.4km 1781m of vert and 1736m of descent

Stage 4 37.1km 2466m of vert and 2424m of descent

Stage 5 49.8km 1767m of vert and 1770m of descent

Stage 6 22.5km 613m of vert and 613m of descent

Stats:

Total 230.5km

Vertical 9543m

Descent 9413m

Description

Hugging the coastline of the tropical Pacific, TCC is the ultimate multi-day experience that weaves in and out of the Talamancas; a coastal mountain range in the Southwest corner of Central America.

The terrain is ever-changing from wide, dusty and runnable fire trails to dense and muddy mountain trails. Runners will cross rivers, boulders, swim through rivers, pass under waterfalls, survive long relentless beaches and finally finish in the incredible Corcovado National Park, a Unesco World Heritage site with a stunning final loop around Drake Bay before departing for their journeys home via speedboat.

THE ROUTE

Stage 1

It’s a tough day! Runners depart San Jose early morning (around 0530) for a 3-hour drive to Playa Del Rey, Quepos. It’s the only day that the race starts late and ‘in the sun!’. It’s the toughest day of the race, not because the the terrain or distance, but because of the time of day! The runners are fresh and feel great. That is until about 10km and then they realise the heat and humidity is relentless. It’s a day for caution – mark my words! The 34.6km is very runnable with little vertical and technicality – it welcomes the runners to Costa Rica.

Stage 2

From here on in, it is early breakfast. Around 0400 runners wake and the race starts with the arrival of the sun! The only way is up from the start with a tough and challenging climb. It’s a tough day with an abundance of climbing and descending and a final tough flat stretch on the beach, just as the heat takes hold.

Stage 3

It is basically 25km of climbing topping out at 800m followed by a drop to the sea and a final kick in the tail before the arrival at camp. For many, this is a key day and maybe one of the most spectacular. Pura Vida.

Stage 4

It’s another tough start to the day with a relentless climb, but once at 900m the route is a rollercoaster of relentless small climbs and descents, often littered with technical sections, rainforest, river crossings and boulders. At 30km, it’s a short drop to the road and the finish at 37.1km.

Stage 5

The long day but what a beauty! This route was tweaked a couple of years ago and now has become iconic with tough trails, plenty of climbing, sandy beaches and yes, even a boat trip. The finish at Drake Bay is iconic.

Stage 6

The victory lap! For many, this stage is the most beautiful and memorable. In just over 20km, the route manages to include a little of all that has gone before. It’s a stage of fun and challenges and one that concludes on the beach as a 2018 medal is placed over your head – job done!

THE RUNNERS – MALE

Michael Wardian has won the race and set a course record. He knows the lay of the land and if anyone knows how to race hard, day-after-day, it is Mike. You can never bet against him and he always comes ‘to race!’ There is no sandbagging, no pretenses, just a full-on let’s race and let the best man win!

Hayden Hawks burst on the scene in recent years blazing a trail of fast running. He is one of the new breed of trail runner who is moving from the road/ track to the trails. That natural speed is making trail racing faster and faster. Hayden won CCC in 2017 – a huge win. He loves to train with big weeks and TCC will feel like a ‘training week’ but just a whole lot faster… he is a favourite for the win!

Timothy Olson needs no introduction. This man blasted Western States to a whole new level and was the man to beat at any race. A tough 2016 started to overturn in 2017 with a slow but calculated return to form. One of the nicest guys out there, Timothy will bring his love for all things to TCC and will inspire with his feet and his heart. On his day, this guy could rip the legs off the competition.

Tom Evans burst on the scene in 2017 placing 3rd at Marathon des Sables. He played the Moroccans at their own game and had them worried. Interestingly, Michael Wardian also placed 3rd some years ago… Tom placed 4th at the Eiger Ultra and CCC and recently has earned a slot on the GB Squad for the World Trail Championships in May. He is fast and can run technical trails, he has the multi-day format nailed – it is going to be awesome!

Marcus Scotney has represented GB and has won ‘The Challenger’ at the UK’s Spine race, won the Cape Wrath Ultra and most recently, The Dragons Back Race – both of which are gnarly UK multi-stage races. Marcus has all the skills for a great race at TCC, the biggest question may well come with heat adaptation from a cold UK?

Finally, Chema Martinez is slowly but surely become Mr. TCC. He has raced many times and played 2nd year-on-year. Will 2018 be the year when he tips the scales in his favour? Who knows, one thing is for sure, he will race hard every day.

THE RUNNERS – FEMALE

Ester Alves has won the race before and last year placed 3rd. Recently, she placed 2nd at the Everest Trail Race in Nepal. Ester brings experience and excellent mountain/ technical running to TCC and as such, will always be a favourite for the win.

Ragna Debats in recent years has been a revelation mixing fast running (IAU World Trail Champs) with Skyrunning. On paper, Ragna is a hot favourite for victory in Costa Rica. The combination of speed and technical ability may well give her a supreme edge over the competition.

Inge Nijkamp placed 11th at Marathon des Sables and although she won’t appreciate me highlighting her name here, she will be one to watch. Her form, in her own words, “Is not what it should be,’ but, she has the ability and skill to certainly edge onto the podium should all go well.

Of course, we can not rule out the local talent who, over the years, has made the race exhilarating and exciting. We will update this report with a review of both the male and female talent once the race list has been confirmed.

Registration takes place on February 10th

Racing starts on the 11th

Follow On

Daily reports, results and images on THIS website

Twitter @talkultra

Instagram @iancorlessphotography

Facebook HERE and HERE

Race website HERE

Lanzarote Training Camp 2018 Day 5 and 6

Posted on January 23, 2018 by talkultra

Day 5 is bivouac day! Arguably, it is the day of the Lanzarote Training Camp that the runners dread but learn the most.

It’s quite simple – we simulate many of the feelings and experiences that you will encounter in your chosen multi-day self-sufficient race.

Runners leave with their race packs including sleeping bag, sleeping mat, food for the dinner, snacks, food for breakfast, a minimum 1.5ltr of water and clothes such as down jacket!

The attendees run or walk in guided groups to the bivouac taking a minimum of 2.5 hours. They then pitch a tent (transported for them) and then they are rationed water. Our bivouac is extra special – it is inside a volcano!

We provide hot water but many runners test and try their own cooking skills using Esbit and then they eat a dehydrated meal. It happens every year… “Oh wow, I love this meal!” to the opposite, “Oh my word, that is disgusting!”

It’s invaluable what can be learnt with a simulation night.

We get a roaring fire going and chat into the night – it is special!

The following morning, our camp attendees are welcomed to ‘rise’ with crow of a cockerel around 0630/ 0645. They then must prepare their own breakfast and prepare for another run; again, a minimum 2-hours.

A night under the stars and an opportunity to test sleeping bag, sleeping mat and all other aspects of self-sufficiency makes everyone realise what is good and what is bad.

Back at Club La Santa we have a 2-hour debrief talk and discussion, from here, all our attendees go away armed with the knowledge that will help them achieve the finish line of their next multi-day race.

Why not join our 2019 Training Camp?

More information HERE

Episode 149 – Camille Herron and Pat Reagan

Posted on December 29, 2017 by talkultra

Episode 149 – Welcome to our 2017 Christmas and New Year show! We interview Camille Herron about her stunning end to the year and an amazing 100-mile world record. We also introduce Kurt Decker, the Godfather of Trail, as he does his first solo ‘TU’ interview with Pat Reagan.

This edition of Talk Ultra is to the point, no waffle, no chat, just two great interviews! We all need a break after all…

Thanks for the great support in 2017 and we look forward to sharing this magic world of mountain, ultra, trail and Skyrunning in 2018!

00:03:15 INTERVIEW PAT REAGAN

00:49:50 INTERVIEW CAMILLE HERRON

End 01:51:26

Keep running

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Website – talkultra.com

Everest Trail Race by The Elements Pure Coconut Water #ETR2017 – STAGE 2 BHANDAR to JASE BHANJYANG

Posted on November 12, 2017 by talkultra

Day 2 #ETR2017

Starting in Bhandar runners have the pleasure of running downhill along some twisting and technical trail before crossing a suspension bridge that stretches over Kinja Khola River. What follows is a lung busting and leg-sapping climb to Golla at just over 3000m. A little respite and then climbing starts again firstly to Ngaur and then onward to the highest point of the ETR; Pikey Peak at 4063m. From the summit at Pikey Peak an amazing Himalayan vista awaited but the runners had to work for it… really work for it! Dropping down a tough technical descent for several kilometres, a tough short climb is the sting in the tail to the arrival at Jase Bhanjyang at 3600m.

Day 2 of the Everest Trail Race is the toughest of the race: fact! It’s a brutal exercise in climbing and one that takes place at attitude stretching each and every participant to the limit. However, despite its severity, today, Luis Alberto Hernando dare I say, made it look it easy! He smashed the old course record and in the process set a new time of 3:35.

It’s difficult to comprehend how the Spaniard climbed to Pikey Peak and climbed 2700m in the time that he did. He arrived at the summit in 3:10 and then flew down the final technical descent and climbed to the finish line in 25-minutes – incredible!

It wasn’t all Luis’s day though, in the early stages he was pushed by Sondre Amdahl. The duo traded the lead over the early climbing and Nepali Suman Kulung tried to hold the pace but the other two were too strong.

Eventually Luis made his move and Sondre new that he could not match the pace, but he arrived 2^nd at the summit less than 10-minutes behind. Suman arrived 3^rd and then used his incredible downhill ability to not only catch Sondre but pass him, finished 2^nd and Sondre was 3^rd. Jordi Gamito once again placed 4^th, he is running a strong race but just doesn’t have the pace or the form of the top-3.

In the ladies’ race. Ester Alves used her mountain experience and climbing to forge ahead but the Portuguese lady didn’t open up the possible huge gap many had expected. At the Pikey Peak summit, she had only a handful of minutes over Elisabet Barnes. Elisabet the two time MDS champ is not known for her mountain ability but in 2017 she has honed her skills and in particular, she has trained a great deal at altitude.

On the technical descent, Ester extended her lead, her technical running ability is still better than Elisabet’s but the gap is closing. Post-race, Elisabet said, ‘I am really happy with my race, I climbed really well, handled the altitude and after 3400m I was really strong, the training paid off!’

Chhechhee Sherpa was the 3^rd lady and I guess somewhat surprisingly couldn’t match Ester and Elisabet on the climb – unusual for a Nepal native. However, she ran a strong race for 3^rd with the UK’s Becks Ferry placing 4^th.

It was a tough day with many runners coming close to the cut-off time. Eight runners were forced to take the short cut route and avoid Pikey Peak and as the day comes to a close, it looks like we may have one runner who will not make the cut-off.

Results top-3

Luis Alberto Hernando 3:35:14
Suman Kulung 3:49:25
Sondre Amdahl 3:53:04

Ester Alves 5:21:07
Elisabet Barnes 5:33:57
Chhechhee Sherpa 5:41:48

Day 3 Jase Bhanjyang – Karikola

A brutal day that is a stark opposite to day-2, at 37.4km it has more descending (4110m) than ascending (2512m).

Starting in Jase Bhanjyang runners will pass through Jumbesi, Phurteng, Salung, Taksindu and then from Jubhing the race finishes with a tough climb to the stunning monastery at Kharikola.

ECOTRAIL Funchal 2017 – Images and Summary

Posted on October 28, 2017 by talkultra

The third edition of the ECOTRAIL Funchal took place this past weekend on the stunning island of Madeira.

Portugal and Madeira has in recent years seen a real boom in trail and mountain running and the ECOTRAIL is quite unique in it’s approach of combining trail and city in one. The Funchal edition of the race is now one of six Ecotrail events, the other five – Brussels, Madrid, Paris, Oslo and Stockholm.

Four events, hundreds of runners and the community of Funchal united make the ECOTRAIL Funchal a real highlight in what is a very busy year for this island paradise that attracts tourists year round due to it’s excellent climate.

(full race summary to follow)

Gallery 2

Episode 145 – Jeff Browning and Mark Hammond

Posted on October 19, 2017 by talkultra

Episode 145 of Talk Ultra brings you an interview with Jeff Browning who has been dominating the 100-mile racing scene with a string of highly placed finishes – but how? Jeff tells us the secrets of his success in a fascinating interview. We also speak with Mark Hammond who placed 3rd at Western States this year. We have the news and Speedgoat Karl is co-hosting

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00:10:10 NEWS

Speedgoat wins 50k a good sign for his next 100.

ELS 2900

Ne format for this year as alpinists took part as teams of two and they had to navigate. Lina and Sanna El Kott Helander won the ladies race and Dominic Trastoy and Lluis Sanvicente won the men’s, times 21:05 and 16:41 respectively.

Lakes in a Day UK

Katie Kaars smashed the ladies old CR in a new time of 10:46:29 for the 50-miles and bagged a £1000 bonus. She also placed 3rd overall.

For the men, Marcis Gubats took top honours in 10:18:39, Jack Casey 2nd in 10:43:49 and Nick Green 3rd man (4th overall) in 11:04:07.

Elizaveta Ershova and Liz Barker placed 2nd and 3rd ladies’ respectively in 11:52:54 and 12:50:31.

Report HERE

Limone Extreme SkyRace

Marco De Gasperi took the top honours and the 2017 SWS title, a fitting reward for the Skyrunning legend who started the sport aged 16! Tove Alexandersson, an orienteer world champ, took the female victory in an impressive and committed finish that saw her collapse on the line covered in blood from numerous falls.

Jan Margarit and Stefan Knopf placed 2nd and 3rd and Michelle Maier and Ragna Debats took the podium slots for the ladies.

Sheila Aviles joined De Gasperi as the 2017 SWS champ for the Sky Classic distance.

The COMBINED title was won by Jonathan Albon and Maite Maiora.

Report HERE

Moab 200

Courtney Dauwalter runs an incredible 57-hours and 52-minutes for an outright win. Sean Nakamura won the men’s race.

John Muir Trail FKT

Francois D’Haene obliterated the JMT FKT by 12 hours finishing in 2-days, 19-hours and 26-minutes. This result coming so soon after winning the UTMB!

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00:40:01 Interview with JEFF BROWNING

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02:04:27 Interview with MARK HAMMOND